“Barry has been working hard in training and played well in the last two Wanderers games,” says Saints director of rugby Jim Mallinder. “Robbie’s absence is obviously a shame but having Barry match-fit and sharp is a bonus.”
Newbury come to Franklin’s Gardens on the back of a three-match winning streak, and Mallinder says that they will be tricky opponents.
“If you look back at the Pertemps Bees game we were given a massive scare,” he says. “Newbury will be a similar test. They are winning, which gives you a spring in the step, and come here under no pressure. That is a dangerous combination for us and we cannot sit back and relax.
“I was pleased with how we played last week. The challenge now is how we can improve on it tomorrow.”
Other players to come into the squad are Ben Lewitt, Chris Budgen and Will Harries. They replace Mark Hopley, Tom Smith and Neil Starling respectively.
In Harries, Phil Hoy and Grant Anderson, Saturday’s squad contains three members of the club’s Senior Academy. Should 18-year-old Anderson be named in the match-day 22 he could become the sixth member of the academy to play for the Saints this season.
Mallinder says that all three players in the squad have earned their selection.
“Grant, Phil and Will have all played well in the Wanderers over the past few weeks,” he comments. “They have had some tough tests in the Guinness ‘A’ League against Premiership opposition and have come through undefeated. Phil also acquitted himself well when he came off the bench last Saturday.
“Giving them exposure to the first team is integral to their development and to the future of the club.”
Tickets are still available for Saturday’s game. Prices start from just £12 and can be booked through the Saints Ticket Office. Call 01604 581000 or order online through the Saints’ official website – just click here!
Supporters are reminded that traffic congestion is expected in the St James and Sixfields areas of Northampton tomorrow due to a late fixture clash with Northampton Town’s FA Cup tie. The club recommends that everyone allows as much time as possible for their journeys both to and from the match.
NORTHAMPTON SAINTS SQUAD TO PLAY NEWBURY BLUES
National League One
Franklin’s Gardens; Saturday, December 1st, 2007; kick-off 3pm
Backs:
Grant Anderson, Chris Ashton, Jon Clarke, Paul Diggin, Barry Everitt, Will Harries, Stephen Myler, Bruce Reihana, Mark Robinson, Carlos Spencer, Ian Vass.
Forwards:
Chris Budgen, Mark Easter, Darren Fox, Dylan Hartley, Phil Hoy, Ben Lewitt, Euan Murray, Alex Rae, Paul Shields, Christian Short, Barry Stewart, Soane Tonga’uiha, Paul Tupai.